Notable & Quotable

“These changes are so drastic and so detrimental to ‘my kids’ and other Americans with progressive diseases that I’m prepared to drop everything and address this issue personally.”
— Actor Jerry Lewis, in a letter last month to HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt protesting reimbursement cuts in CMS’ power mobility device fee schedule

Source: Muscular Dystrophy Association

1 in 3 Americans born in 2000 is expected to develop diabetes.

Source: American Diabetes Association

55% of adult type 2 diabetics who used an insulin pen in a recent study adhered to their medication guidelines compared to 36 percent who used a syringe.

Source: Abt Associates

$33.6 billion Amount American companies lose per year from demands on employees who have to care for incapacitated loved ones, like an aging parent

Source: MetLife Mature Market Institute

$1.5 billion Amount recovered by the Medicare Anti-Fraud Program in 2005

Source: HHS Office of Inspector General

2.8% Average rate of increase in Medicaid spending in fiscal 2006, the lowest rate in 10 years, mostly from improvements in the economy and stricter cost controls by states

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation

330 Approximate number of calories per hour a 154-pound person burns while dancing, golfing or doing light gardening or yard work

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention